Chances are you can get a dual video card cheap for your computer. You can plug both monitors into it, and then specify that the right one is an extension of the left one.

I say "chances are" because I have a dual video card which I used for Windows 7, but there is no driver for my card for Windows 8. But it's no longer an issue, because I now have one big monitor rather than two small monitors. Just make sure that your dual video card is compatible with Windows 8.x, and that it will work with your computer (your computer will probably use PCI Express cards).

Can the 1 big monitor take the place of 2 smaller monitors?
What do you gain or lose with either configuration?

Also, just wondering why so many Desktop Systems Dell is currently selling come with Windows 7 instead of Windows 8?

Are people as of this date still reluctant to run Windows 8?

Yes, that would be an understatement, I've bought a few things form Dell and get their sales promotion email and they've prominently indicated Win 7 was still available on a wide variety of systems for quite some time. It must be working or they wouldn't keep promoting along those lines for so long.

One big monitor just let's a person see everything a little easier without having everything maximized all the time. With a widescreen a person can put up side by side windows or word processing pages but I for one don't really utilize that much, mostly I just like things bigger so I can see them with minimal eye strain. Two monitors is still the way to go if you want to see and run two visual interfacing programs at once or have a program that lends itself to having controls on one screen and the manipulated subject on the other.
For me that means one big one for this stuff (browser, email, RDP sessions) and two for a system running host and guest operating systems simultaneously. Where I get some crossover is with photo manipulation and video editing; traditionally two screens for the professional approach; photo or video on one, controls on another but now I find that a large screen lets me keep both on one screen and keep both subject and controls in my comfort zone for use.

Can the 1 big monitor take the place of 2 smaller monitors?
What do you gain or lose with either configuration?

I prefer to have one big monitor rather than two small monitors, because it is a simpler setup. In fact, some programs won't expand across two monitors; you have to run them in either the left or the right monitor.

At work I have two monitors. I run some programs in the left monitor and some in the right. That's also a nice setup, because you can maximize a program to fill up one entire monitor screen, as opposed to it filling up your total monitor square footage.

But if I had my choice, my preference would be one great big monitor rather than two small or medium-sized monitors.

Depends on eye to screen surface distance too. For traditional desktop work/play games; in the three to four feet distant range, I like 27-28" and 1920x1200 too, not so much 1920x1080, though that is acceptable. The younger the eyes the more resolution you may like, for me, 1920 is fine, for a 20-30 year old with excellent vision, might like more, 2560x1440 if I have that standard correct; everything is sharp as a tack with that resolution but also that much smaller unless the dpi is set much higher.

we have 3 winxppro systems
not replacing them till they die
(but back that data up regularly!)

i would wait for win9
or start looking at some other OS to replace microsoft with
if they keep forcing you to use the cloud
next they will demand taht you rent your applications instead of owning them
and your data will be at risk out tehre instead of backed up in yuor room with you

You mentioned that your profession has a group contract with Dell, so you’re considering another Dell. Given the budget you stated, you can get a fine computer from a variety of sources for far less than what you have budgeted, so don’t feel married to Dell. You didn’t mention a need for significant multimedia capability or a large hard drive, so a mid-line computer feels about right for you. But, Dell has rather mediocre customization.

I bought my first computer 14 years ago and it was a Dell. I still have it and it acts as a backup to my current computer. When it came time to replace the Dell six years ago I saw the same problem I see today, which was the lack of customization. So, I designed my current computer myself and had it assembled by a small, local computer shop. I couldn’t be happier about its performance. No hardware failure of any kind, it’s quiet, and uses a relatively low amount of electricity. Sadly, that local computer shop closed last year. I’ve been working on designing a new computer to replace my current one, so I need a new assembler since I’m not interested in doing that myself.

Both of these companies are probably going to be more expensive than a mass market computer and that’s primarily because they use brand name components, assemble in the USA, have significant, time consuming stress testing, provide you with the operating system media, offer superior customer service, and include lifetime technical support and repair labor. But, you’ll get a computer two or three times more reliable than any mass market computer, and probably quieter and more energy efficient. When you design a computer, try to design for the future, not the present. So, consider looking for a computer with a motherboard that has DVI, DisplayPort, and HDMI connections, then buy a new monitor with DisplayPort (DisplayPort is replacing DVI) or HDMI. You will then be able to connect your current monitor with DVI and the new monitor with DisplayPort or HDMI, eliminating the need for a separate video card or adapters.

I’ve been working on a design at AVADirect that might be a good starting point for you. I have special requirements, so if you don’t like my design, it can be easily changed to fit your own needs. When using their configurator, scroll down and select the operating system first, then everything else.

The price for this is currently $939 (excluding shipping). Puget doesn’t have this design available through their website, but a similar, although slightly more advanced design, would currently cost $1,273 (excluding shipping). Both prices are well below your budget. These are computers that, if maintained properly, could conceivably last ten years.

Last edited by cloudsandskye; 2014-02-04 at 00:05.
Reason: Added second motherboard choice if first choice is not available.

I am away from my office at the present. When I return, I will post the System Requirements of 1 specific Software I use which will be the most stringent System Requirements I would need.

My 1st decision however is whether or not I want to buy another Desktop at all.
My concern is that a Desktop may soon be something you can only see in a Museum.

All the moronic hype about a desktop becoming redundant is just that, hype, and nothing more.
You can buy or build a decent desktop system and be assured of it's longevity.

Three to four thousand dollars is representative of a decent budget amount. You should have no trouble
finding something to fill your needs. All you need to do is SHOP.

Factor in a graphics card that can handle two monitors if that is what you want.
Make sure you have a decently powerful PSU, nothing less than 600W. This seems to be the
best component for store bought computer sellers to skimp on.
A monitor that is 7 years old is TOO old and should NOT be relied upon.
You don't need to spend over a thousand dollars on a monitor, like I do, if you don't have the serious
graphical need for it. There are plenty of decently priced 24 to 27 inch monitors. SHOP ONLINE.

Keep your old Dell WXP system around for all the antiquated software you don't want to replace with newer versions.
As far as I'm concerned, Office 2003 IS seriously antiquated, keep it on the old system, but get the latest on the new system.
*Look for replacement parts to the Dell system's hardware, as they become worn and fail.
There will usually always be parts available, even if you have to look on Craig's List or eBay.

Windows 7 will do just fine on your new system, despite the fact that there is nothing wrong with Windows 8/8.1.

The antiquated software issue is your problem, I'm sure you don't expect newer OS's to be backward compatible
with all the old crap that's out there, but you can safely & securely maintain antiquated system's irrigardless of loss of support on MS's part.
Just be smart about it and manage it so it has minimal internet exposure, and a decent backup regimen.

BOTTOM LINE
The loss of XP support should not be an issue if there is software that you absolutely have to have that will not run in newer OS's.
You've budgeted plenty to satisfy ALL your needs.

Last edited by CLiNT; 2014-02-04 at 12:09.

DRIVE IMAGINGInvest a little time and energy in a well thought out BACKUP regimen and you will have minimal down time, and headache.